2016 YMCA Camp Pine Crest Family Camp Information

YMCA CAMP
PINE CREST
FAMILY CAMP
INFORMATION GUIDE
Memories that last a lifetime - experiences that build a life!
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
YMCA Camp Pine Crest Guiding Principles
Page 4
Features of Pine Crest
Page 5
Programs and Schedules
Meals
Page 5-6
Page 7
Packing and Preparations
Page 8-9
Additional Information
Page 9-10
Directions to Camp
Map
Page 11
Back cover
2
Welcome to Family Camp 201
Family Camp is a unique program at Pine Crest. It is an opportunity for
your family to spend time together, enjoy meeting other families, and
engage in a lifelong camp community. It is a special place where you will
see your children become more confident and independent and we
hope that with our special touches, provide parents with a week
of relaxation!
Some of the activities we offer at Pine Crest include low and high ropes
courses, a climbing wall, canoeing, kayaking, natural arts and crafts,
hiking, swimming, campfires, games night, outdoor cooking and much
more. During the Family Camp week there’s a balance between optional
programmed activities and time to enjoy the site on your own. Programs
are offered for children, adults or the whole family.
Families are welcome to arrive after dinner between 6 and 7:30 p.m. on
Saturday, July 30, 2016. Our evening program, opening campfire, will
begin at 8 p.m.
Breakfast will be served at 8:15 a.m. Sunday morning followed directly by
a parent meeting while the children are out exploring the site with our
fantastic staff. Following the meeting, you will have another opportunity
to go on a site tour or enjoy family programming. Regular scheduled
program will begin after lunch.
On Friday, August 5, 2016, there will be open programs in the morning,
lunch at 12:30 p.m. and then it’s time to pack up. Departure is between 2
and 3 p.m. If you have any questions prior to camp, please contact me at:
matt.mills@ymcagta.org
705-762-3377 or 1-877-878-9622
We look forward to having you join us for a fantastic week this summer!
Sincerely,
Pine Crest Team
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YMCA Camp Pine Crest Guiding Principles
YMCA mission statement
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity offering opportunities for personal growth,
community involvement and leadership. Our success is built on our commitment
to the mission of the YMCA. In pursuit of this, and to distinguish camp from other
experiences offered by our YMCA and the community, our camping and outdoor
education centre services are based on the following guiding principles.
Small-group experience
• YMCACampPineCrestfocusesoneachindividualcamper’sdevelopmentprocess.
• Mostofthecamper’stimeoccursinagroupsizeofapproximately8-10
• Weprovideopportunitiesforsocialdevelopment,groupinterdependence,
interpersonal problem solving and leadership development.
Natural focus
• Thecampprogramprimarilyfeaturesactivitiesspecifictooursemi-wilderness
setting and are not as readily available to children in their home or school environment.
• Wetakeaholisticapproachtoenvironmentaleducationandenvironmental
stewardship, creating exciting experiences in the outdoors.
Democratic living
• Whilelivinginagroupinasmallcabinoronacanoetrip,participantslearnto
make decisions that serve both the individual and the group.
• Familiesworktogethertomodelpositivebehavioursforconflictresolutionand
leadership to all children at camp.
Enjoyable programs
• Wewanttomakesureeveryonehasfunatcamp.
• Weencourageasenseofcampspirit,positiveattitudesandcamaraderie.
Inclusive community
• Ourcampbringsfamiliesandstaffofvariousabilitiesandcultural,ethnicand
socio-economicbackgroundstogetherinonecommunity.
• Staffaretrainedonissuesofbullyingandinclusiontohelppreventsituationsthat
would make campers feel isolated during their time at camp.
• Weofferfinancialassistancethroughavarietyofchannelsinordertoassureequal
access to our programs at Pine Crest.
Healthy lifestyle
• Wepromoteactive,outdooractivitiesrainorshine.
• Weservenutritiousanddeliciousfoodeachdaywithanemphasisonhealthy
choices and lots of hydration for our busy days in the sun.
• Weencourageallparticipantstomakehealthylifestylechoicesandincrease
physical activity daily.
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Features of Pine Crest
Property and facilities
• 650acresofwildernessproperty
• 26kilometresoftrails
• 8kilometresofshorelineon3interconnectedlakes
• 3winterizedlodges
• Showerandwashroomfacilitiescentrallylocatedincabinareas
• 2dininghalls
Program support
• 4ropescourses
• Fleetofcedarstripandtrippingcanoes
• NaturalArtsCentre
• Kayaks
• 6campfireareas
And much more!
Programs and Schedules
TYPICAL DAY AT PINE CREST
7:15-7:55 a.m.
Wake-upandRadicalRisers
8:00
Table setters
8:15
Breakfast
9:30-10:45
Program activity #1
11:00-12:15 p.m.
Program activity #2
12:30
Lunch
1:30-2:30
Rest hour
2:30-4:00
Program activity #3
4:00
General swim
5:15
Table setters
5:30
Dinner
6:30
General boating
7:30
Evening program and snack
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Program activities include:
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Canoeingandkayaking
Swimming
Archery
MusicandDrumming
Naturalartsandcrafts
Outdoorlivingskills
Snorkelling
Yoga
HulaHooping
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DiscGolf
Nighthikeactivities
Campfires
Gamesnight
Scavengerhunts
Initiativetasks
Highandlowropes
Overnightcanoetrip
Parents are welcome to drop children off at supervised program activities.
Daily programs are offered for participants based on age this calendar year. To
best suit the needs of specific ages and programs we ask that you stick to these
age categories:
Pine Cones: 3-4
Bantam: 5-6
Juniors: 7
Senior: 8-9
Pioneer: 10-13
Youth Leaders: 14-17
Adult: 18+
Family programs are offered in the evening and throughout the week. A
swimming area will always be staffed by Pine Crest lifeguards during program
activity times so families are welcome to go for a dip throughout the day.
Rainy days
Allcampprogramsoperaterainorshine,althoughthewater-basedandhighorlow
ropes programs may be affected. In the event that the program must be altered,
special programs are offered. The fun doesn’t stop because of liquid sunshine!
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Meals
Our kitchen staff prepare nutritious, tasty meals, along with a nightly snack for
participants. Individuals who have special dietary needs can enjoy a supplemental
menu modified to suit her/his needs. These special requests are to be noted on
theFamilyCampregistrationform.Weprovideavegetarianandlactose-free
optionateverymeal.TheHeadCookwillbeonhandduringarrivaldayand
throughout the session if you have any particular concerns about food allergies
or dietary questions.
Three-day sample menu:
DAY ONE
DAY TWO
DAY THREE
Cereal (hot and cold)
Milk and juice
Cinnamon buns
Croissants
Cereal (hot and cold)
Pancakes
Sausage
Yogurt and fruit
Cereal (hot and cold)
Cheese omelettes
Muffins
Fruit
Lunch
Juice and water
Mushroom soup
Pizza
Salad bar
Fruit
Juice and water
Tomato soup
Grilled cheese
Salad bar
Fruit
Juice and water
Minestrone soup
Make-your-ownsandwich
Fruit
Dinner
Milk and water
Chicken stir fry
with rice
Salad bar
Lemon tarts
Milk and water
Lasagna
Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Brownies
Milk and water
Fajitas
Steamed veggies
Rice
Ice cream bars
Veggie lasagna
Tofu fajitas
Cookies
Cheese and crackers
Breakfast
Vegetarian Tofu stir fry
Snack
Popcorn
Coffee, tea and snacks are provided all day inside the main dining hall.
Nut Awareness
Whilewecannotguaranteeacompletelynut-freesite,wedotakeeveryaction
possible to ensure that participants and staff with nut allergies are protected. All
meals are prepared without any kind of nut products and we make sure that all
participants are aware of products that may have been manufactured in the same
factory as other nut products.
Please do not bring any food containing nuts (or may contain nuts) to camp.
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Packing and Preparations
Below you will find a suggested list of what you and
your family should bring to camp.
Bedding
Families bring their own sleeping bags and pillows. If bedwetting
is a concern, the camp laundry service is available to quickly launder
any bedding. It is also suggested to bring a fitted mattress cover for a single bed.
Eyeglasses/contacts
For participants who require eyeglasses or contacts, we recommend bringing
along an extra pair to be kept in the Wellness Centre in case they are needed.
Shoes, sandals and flip-flops
Because of our natural setting, we highly encourage participants to bring suitable
footwear. We ask all participants to wear sandals with a back strap instead of
flip-flops.Inaddition,onlyclosed-toedshoescanbewornonourhighandlow
ropes courses. If you plan on joining us for the overnight canoe trip, please bring
twopairsofclose-toedshoes.
Suggested packing list for each participant
• 1
rain coat with hood (preferably
waterproof ))
• 1pairrainpants
• 1 sun hat
• 1tubesunscreen(minimumSPF60)
• 1sleepingbag
• 1blanket
• 1pillow
• 6pairsofsocksandunderwear
• 4-5T-shirts
• 2pairlongpants(sweatsinsteadof
jeans)
• 3-4pair ofshorts
• 2long-sleeveT-shirts
• 1-2sweaters(fleece,wool)
• 1pairsandals(withanklestrap–no
flip-flopswillbeallowed)
• Sturdyrunningshoes
• 2swimsuits
• 1-2towels
• Pajamas
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Brushorcomb
• Insectrepellent(lotion,notspray)
• Sunglasses
• Flashlight/extrabatteries
• Water bottle
Optional items
• Musicalinstrument
• Books
• Camera
• Journal
• Rubberboots
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Smallbackpack
Alarmclockorwatchwithalarm
Campordeckchairs
Fanforcabin
For families with young children
There are many items you may need while travelling with infants or young
children and we want to make it as easy as possible for you. We have a few items
for loan on site that you don’t need to bring with you.
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These will be located in the main dining hall and we would appreciate it if you
could return them to that space upon your departure. Please keep in mind we
have limited numbers of these items so if you know you need one for sure please
RSVP to Matt.
• Playpen
• Boosterseatorhighchair
• Baby/ToddlerCarriers
• Babyhikingbackpacks
• Childcutleryandsippycups
• Children’sgamesandbooks
What not to bring to camp
At YMCA Camp Pine Crest, we believe that a camp experience should be a return
to the basics, where campers can develop a sense of harmony with nature,
themselves and others. In keeping with these values we encourage you to leave
the following items at home for the week of camp:
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Pocketknives
Matches
Cellphones
Electronictoysordevices
(e.g. GameBoy)
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Radios,stereos,CDs,iPods
Food(Nutsensitivesite)
Toygunsorwaterpistols
Curlingironsorhairdryers
Anyothervaluables
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Additional Information
The camp store
Our store is open for business on arrival day, departure day
and most of the time in between. We accept cash, cheque,
debit and credit cards. This summer we’re pleased to offer:
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PineCrest1Lbottle
Wintertoques
Hats
Sweatshirts
Postcards
PineCreststickers
YMCACampPineCrestHistoryBook
Parking
Pine Crest has a large main parking lot. You’re welcome to drive your car closer
to your cabin to unload your luggage, but we ask that you move your car to the
parking lot after doing so. Our main roads need to be accessible for emergency
vehiclesandon-sitemaintenancevehicles.
Alcohol and cigarettes
Pine Crest is primarily an overnight children’s camp, and for this reason we ask that
ifyou’regoingtobeconsumingalcohol,youdosoinKekindewin(thedininghall),
or in your cabin. As well, we ask that you use plastic containers. There will also be no drinking on any Family Camp Canoe trips.
We do make an exception for Family Campers to smoke if they need to during
their stay. We ask that you only smoke in one of our designated areas. All of our
buildings are made of wood and we go through many dry seasons and would not
want to see our site damaged in any way.
Swimming and boating
Unlike a cottage or resort, at Pine Crest, we ask that no one uses our waterfront
without two Pine Crest lifeguards present. This includes all boating and swimming
activities. When participating in any boating activities you must wear a lifejacket at
all times. We have many scheduled times for the waterfront that you can enjoy!
Emergency situations
In the case of an emergency on site, Pine Crest staff will take full responsibility
for ensuring all details are taken care of. We require all guests to provide us with
health concerns and information so we can best be prepared for any situation.
Pine Crest staff will call an ambulance, fill out all incident/accident report forms,
act as the primary rescuers on the scene and accompany the person to the
hospital.
Please make sure to have all family Health Cards with you for your visit.
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Getting to Pine Crest
WeatPineCrestencourageallfamiliestoutilizeourfreebustocampfrom
Toronto. Our road to camp is narrow and home to many local cottage
residents enjoying their summer holiday as well.
We would like to help reduce the traffic into camp and ask that you consider
the complimentary bus to help us be great neighbours.
The bus will be available from Central YMCA at 20 Grosvenor St. Toronto.
RSVPrequired.Thebuswilldepartat4:00pmfromToronto.
Directions to Camp
From Toronto and the south
TakeHighway400northtoBarrie,thenHighway11northtoGravenhurst.
AtGravenhursttakeHighway169about21kmnorthwesttoTorrance.Turn
left onto Southwood Road and immediately left again onto Clear Lake Road.
Camp is about 3.3km down the road.
From North Bay and the north
FollowHighway11southtoHighway169atGravenhurst.TakeHighway
169about21kmnorthwesttoTorrance.TurnleftontoSouthwoodRoadand
immediately left again onto Clear Lake Road. Camp is about 3.3km down the
road.
From Sudbury and the west
FollowHighway69souththroughParrySoundtoHighway169atFoot’sBay.
TakeHighway169southeastabout25kmthroughBalatoTorrance.Turn
right onto Southwood Road and immediately left again onto Clear Lake
Road. Camp is about 3.3km down the road.
From Ottawa and the east
TakeHighway60westthroughAlgonquinParktoHighway11atHuntsville.
TakeHighway11southabout52kmtoHighway169atGravenhurst.Take
169about21kmnortheasttoTorrance.TurnleftontoSouthwoodRoadand
immediately left again onto Clear Lake Road. Camp is about 3.3km down
the road.
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Bala
38
Torrance
Y
169
Gravenhurst
11
Orillia
Barrie
404
400
Newmarket
407
401
Toronto
YMCACampPineCrest,1090GullwingLakeRd.,Torrance,ONP0C1M0
705-762-3377 • 1-877-878-9622
Click here to take the Pine Crest Virtual tour
camppinecrest.ca